Covid-19: Eleven arrested at christening party

Eleven people were arrested on Sunday, June 20, in Runda Sector, Kamonyi District where they were found attending a christening party.

Baptism parties are among the prohibited events and social gatherings under the government directives meant to contain the pandemic of Covid-19.

The were paraded to the media on Monday, June 21, at Nyarugenge District Police Unit offices in Rwezamenyo Sector.

The violators were found at the home of one Jean Marie Nizeyimana located in Ruyenzi Cell, Runda Sector.

Nizeyimana had invited friends and relatives for the christening party of his two children.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that Police was called in by concerned area residents.

“Two of Nizeyimana’s children had on June 9, received sacrament of baptism and Eucharist but did not hold the party at the time. He invited friends and relatives on June 20, to celebrate the admission to the faith of his children. Fortunate enough, some responsible residents called the Police to report the prohibited gathering leading to the arrest of 11 of them,” CP Kabera said.

He commended the role of the public in the enforcement of the government directives by reporting violators.

“We remind the public that Covid-19 is still in our midst and still claiming lives, there is no room for complacency. Any violation can be fatal. All ceremonies and gatherings in homes are prohibited and you will be arrested,” CP Kabera said.

He warned that Police heightened enforcement operations against anyone flouting the Covid-19 prevention directives.

The violators were educated on  the government directives and health measures, and handed administrative fines accordingly.(End)